Haiti's Cervical Cancer Epidemic

Did you know that Haiti has the highest number of women with Cervical cancer in the world?

The risk factors for cervical cancer include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking, taking birth control pills, and engaging in early sexual contact.

Statistical figures suggest that cervical cancer, one of the main causes of cancer deaths, is a disease of poverty; it is more prevalent among the poor and 85% of cervical cancer occurs in the developing world with a 50% mortality rate all around the world. Haiti has the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the world. The people in the poor countries are more susceptible to this form of the disease because the latest detection tools like 'Pap smear screening test', etc. are not easily available in these countries, the presence of very few well equipped laboratories and skilled personnel make the situation worse. The poor people, especially from remote locations cannot continue necessary treatments and some of the recommend follow up tests. According to some health experts, a test with vinegar, named 'VIA' (visual inspection with acetic acid) can be a good low cost solution in such circumstances.